-The Children of Darkness- The Riddle Siblings

Kreacher's memories

Aurora's POV

The dungeon was filled with a heavy, almost suffocating silence. I could hear every single movement in my ears as my father's eyes, filled with hatred and anger, focused on Olivander. The old man trembled under his gaze, barely able to stand after the various tortures he had been subjected to.

Voldemort: We're done here...

He takes my arm and leads me into what used to be my Uncle Lucius' study. The door slams shut and it's just the two of us, him with his back to me and me standing still, scrutinising him, trying to see if I would meet the same fate as the wandmaker.
My father approached me with a slow but inexorable step, his eyes fixed on mine like blades of ice. There was a shadow of aggression in the way he walked, like a predator preparing to strike. I felt the air around me grow heavier and my heart quicken, but my feet were glued to the ground. I could not move.

Me: Father.

His thin, pale fingers twitched as if struggling for control, but the frost in his gaze spoke of anger. Anger barely contained.
Voldemort: You are afraid, Aurora.
I shake my head without making a sound, but the pounding in my chest speaks for itself.
Voldemort: What are you hiding from me, daughter?
Me: Nothing.

I continued to stare into his eyes, knowing that if I looked away, he would know I was lying. Suddenly there is a knock at the door and he pulls away from me and opens the door with a wave of his hand. A Death Eater enters, looks at me and then lowers his gaze.
X: My Lord, the Notts have arrived.
Voldemort: Well, Aurora, go and get changed...
Me: Yes, Father

The warm stream of water glided over my skin, washing away not only my tiredness but also the thoughts that had been nagging at me. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the steam envelop everything like a cloak. For a few moments it was just me, the water and the soothing sound of its flow. I dried myself quickly, not dwelling too much on the reflection I saw in the misty mirror.
I opened the wardrobe and there, hanging as if waiting for me, was the dress. I looked at it for a moment. It was black, perfect in its simplicity and elegance. It had a slightly fitted line, cinched at the waist, the satin falling softly over the hips. The thin straps left most of my shoulders uncovered, and lace trim ran along the edge of the hem and bodice, adding an almost deceptively delicate touch. I had never worn it, it was an old dress of my mother's, but for some reason putting it on made me feel uncomfortable....
I took it in my hands, feeling the smooth, cool fabric between my fingers. There was something irresistible in the contrast: the softness of the satin against my skin and the stiffness of the seams, which accentuated every curve without being too tight. The dress fit like a second skin, tight enough to make me aware of every breath I took.
I pulled it on slowly, letting the fabric slide over me. The black lace outlined the neckline with a subtle grace without being too revealing. The waist was cinched just enough to accentuate my figure, while the bottom fell just below my knees, following my movements with fluidity. I removed the clip that held my hair in place and let it fall to my shoulders. Zephyr meows and I turn to him.
Me: What do you think...
He jumps off the bed and starts purring between my legs. I grab a scarf and put it on, then put on my shoes and leave the room with Zephyrus in my arms.

As I walked down the stairs, I could feel people staring at me. Only my aunt and uncle, Draco, my mother, Theo and his father were in the foyer of the manor. I approached my father and motioned to Mr Nott to say hello. Out of the corner of my eye, I see my aunt impulsively squeeze my uncle's hand, who responds with a light squeeze.
Voldemort: Don't greet your friend.
I turn to him, almost surprised by the tone of his voice. I walked over to Theo; he gently stroked my arm with his hand, then gave me a light kiss on the cheek.
Theo: Aurora.
Me: Theodore.

I pulled away from him and felt my father's eyes on us. When I turned around, I saw my mother; her eyes, usually full of madness, seemed worried this time, attentive to every detail of the scene. Why did I have the strange feeling that everyone knew something I didn't?
Voldemort: Now that we are all here, I think we can go.
Everyone nods and begins to follow my father into the living room. As soon as Theo passes me, though, I block him. Draco stops too, and for a second it feels like I'm reliving what happened last time. Theo's eyes are red and when I take his hands I feel that they are rough and cold.
Me: Are you all right?
He doesn't answer, but I can tell that something is wrong. Draco approaches, I'm about to tell him not to start, but he beats me to it, hugging his former best friend. Theo is taken aback for a few seconds, but then returns the unexpected hug full of affection.
Theo: Rory...
He starts to say something, but is interrupted by Wormtail, who orders us into the living room. Draco grabs my hand and squeezes it tightly. I look at him, confused, and he looks back at me, but says nothing. We walk up the stairs and into the living room. Theo walks over to his father, who has a hand on his shoulder. Draco leans against a pillar and looks down.
Narcissa: Why don't you sit down, Rory?
Me: What's going on...?
Voldemort: The Nott family has always been a good atlletaa for me, and they have always kept a pure bloodline.
I looked at my aunt, who looked away as soon as she met my eyes. Everyone in the room was under a spell, unable to speak. All I could see was fear in their eyes, even my mother's.
Voldemort: You will marry him, Aurora.
I burst out laughing.
Me: Funny.
I know I'm the only one laughing in the room, but I honestly didn't care.
Me: I'm seventeen, I'm too young to get married.
Voldemort: And you really think I could care about that?
Me: Father, I'm not marrying him! Why should I?